I Will Always Be With You, Mum: A True-to-Life Story of Love, Loss, and Miracles in an English Village

I shall always be with you, Mother. A story one could believe in

Grandma Dorothy could hardly wait for the evening. Her neighbour, Susana solitary woman approaching fiftyhad confided something that set Dorothys world spinning.

To prove her point, Susan had even invited Dorothy round later, hinting she had something to show her.

It all started as these things do: in idle conversation. That morning, Susan had popped in on Dorothy while on her way to the corner shop.

Do you need anything from the shop, Dorothy? Im heading over to fetch bits for a pie, and I thought Id ask.

Dorothy, ever the kind soul, replied, Youre a good woman, Susan, thoughtful and caring. I remember you as a young girl. Its a shame things havent worked out for you, always on your own. But I see youre not one for moping about or complaining, not like some folk.

Well, what should I complain about, Dorothy? Susan smiled. I do have someone I love, just cant live with him at the moment. And Ill tell you why. Ive never told anyone, but I feel you should hear it. Maybe then youll stop feeling sorry for me.

Dorothy tried to demurshe needed nothing from the shop, truth be toldbut curiosity got the better of her, and she asked Susan to bring a loaf of bread and some boiled sweets for tea.

When Susan returned, Dorothy set out the tea things, the scent of Earl Grey filling the cosy kitchen. She listened, all ears.

Dorothy, do you remember what happened to me, oh, must be twenty years ago now? I was nearly thirty. There was a man; we planned to marry. I thought, even if I wasnt in love, he was a good man, and it seemed time for a family. He moved in. I fell pregnant. Eight months along, a girl was born. She lived but two days before slipping away. Susan paused, her gaze far off. I thought Id go mad with grief. We divorced, nothing held us together.

She took a sip of tea before continuing. A couple of months passed. I was still raw, but I stopped weeping all the time. Then, suddenly Susan looked to Dorothy, as though seeking her blessing to go on.

I dont know how to explain this. Id set up a cot in my bedroom for the baby. People say its unlucky to prepare too soon, but I never believed in that sort of thing. I had it all ready, even some soft toys.

One night, I woke to the sound of a baby crying. At first, I thought it was just my nerves, but the crying went on. I went to the cot and there she wasa tiny girl, fast asleep. I picked her up, felt light with joy. She looked at me, closed her little eyes, and drifted off again.

After that, every night she returned. My darling girl, as real as youd please. I bought baby formula and a bottle, but she never ate much. Shed just cry, Id pick her up, shed smile at me, then close her eyes and sleep.

Dorothy listened, enthralled. How is that possible? she breathed.

I didnt believe it myself! said Susan, her cheeks flushed.

And after? pressed Dorothy, unwrapping a sweet.

Its continued all this time, Susan replied, her eyes shining. She lives in another world, I suppose, with parents there, but she doesnt forget me. She visits me at night, nearly every night. And once, she told me:

I shall always be with you, Mother. We are linked by an invisible strand, one that can never be broken.

Sometimes I wonder if its only a dream, but she brings small gifts from her world. They dont last long here, fading away like frost in the morning sun.

Is it really so? Dorothy sipped her tea, a lump rising in her throat.

Thats why I want you to come around and see. Tell me if theres anything to what I see. I do believe, butits always good to know for sure.

That evening, Dorothy went round to Susans house. They sat together in the gentle gloom as night settled in, the only ones at home. Dorothy was on the verge of nodding off when, suddenly, a soft light shimmered in the room. The air seemed to quiver, and thena lovely girl appeared.

Hello, Mum! she said, beaming. I had such a wonderful day and wanted to share it with you! Here, I brought you some flowers.

The girl noticed Dorothy, a little startled. Oh, hello! I forgotyou wanted to see me, didnt you? Im Abigail

After a while, the girl smiled goodbye and seemed to melt away as quietly as shed come.

Dorothy sat in stunned silence for some moments before she finally spoke. Well, Susan, it really does seem true.

Shes a beauty, your girltakes after you. Im glad for you, Susan. Maybe your lot in life isnt so hard after allmay even be better than most! Had I not seen it myself, Id never have believed it possible. And I thank you. Youve opened my eyes. The world is a bigger place than I thought. Life goes on everywhere. I shant be afraid of death any longer.

May happiness be yours, dear Susan!

The flowers Abigail had brought faded to nothing, vanishing like mist. But as Susan walked Dorothy out, there was a quiet joy about her. Tomorrow would bring a new and lovely day. She would see Jonathan, the man she cared for so deeply, and she knewshe truly knewhe felt the same.

How did she know?

How could she ever explain?

One day, she would bring them togetherher most beloved, Abigail and Jonathan.